The Yellows come away empty-handed from the Sánchez-Pizjuán
Villarreal CF lost on their visit to the Sánchez-Pizjuán (1-0). The Yellows lost by the smallest of margins to the Andalusian side, who got the three points thanks to a first-half Lucas Ocampos goal.
The Yellows put in a good performance in Andalusia. The Submarine, who needed the points, visited the Sánchez-Pizjuán keen on getting a good result in one of the most difficult grounds to visit in the league. To try and do that, Unai Emery made a number of changes from the previous game, the midweek victory over Victoria CF in the Copa del Rey
The Yellows started the match well. They took control of the ball and tried to find spaces to unsettle Sevilla’s organised defence. Manu Trigueros tried to play Paco Alcácer in behind, but, under pressure from Diego Carlos, his shot wasn’t what he’d have wanted it to be.
Despite the good start from the away side, Sevilla’s clinical nature put them ahead on the scoreboard. With a quarter of an hour on the clock, the Andalusian side pressed as the Yellows played out from the back, won the ball back, and with a cross from the left, found Ocampos, who beat Gero Rulli with a header. It was time to try and fight back for Villarreal.
In the 35th minute, Diego Carlos left Yeremy Pino bleeding on the pitch, after an elbow in the face. Much to the frustration of the Yellows, the referee didn’t even book the Brazilian defender.
At the start of the second half, Emery looked to the bench, bringing on Gerard Moreno to try and get the equaliser, with the Catalan forward coming on for Moi Gómez. The entrance of the Yellows No.7 breathed new life into Villarreal, who had various chances as they were looking for the leveller.
In the 79th minute, the current Zarra Trophy holder had a fantastic chance to equalise. The Catalan striker was unable to find the back of the net after a great Pervis Estupiñán ball found him two yards from goal. In added time, Boulaye Dia could also have made it 1-1, but Thomas Delaney blocked his hsot.
The match ended with Villarreal going away empty-handed from their visit to the Sánchez-Pizjuán. Next up for the Submarine is a UEFA Champions League game against Atalanta (Wednesday, 9pm CET).
Lineups:
Sevilla FC: Bono; G. Montiel, Kounde, Diego Carlos, Acuña (Augustinsson, m. 63); Jordán, Fernando, I. Rakitic (Delaney, m. 57); L. Ocampos (Oliver, m. 80), Rafa Mir, Papu Gómez (Munir, m. 80).
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth, R. Albiol, Pau, A. Pedraza (Estupiñán, m. 73); M. Trigueros (Alberto M., m. 63), Parejo, Capoue, Moi Gómez (Gerard, m. 45); Yeremy (Chukwueze, m. 73), Paco Alcácer (Dia, m. 63).
Goal: 1-0. Min. 16: L. Ocampos.
Referee: Del Cerro Grande. Booked: Rakitic, Rafa Mir (Sevilla); R. Albiol, Dia (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match between Sevill FC and Villarreal CF, corresponding to Matchday 16 of the 2021/22 LaLiga season at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Attendance: 30.865.
